The Problem

The Problem

Runway Safety

Rubber build-up on airport runways is recognized by the FAA as a major safety hazard. This surface build-up is a frequent factor in aircraft overrun and run-off incidents.

The build-up of rubber, jet exhaust, hydraulic oil and dirt reduces the frictional qualities of the landing surface, particularly when wet. Lack of surface friction is the major factor affecting the braking of aircraft on a wet runway and is within the control of the Airport Operator.

Surface Damage

Water blasting can cause surface damage. High pressure water basting equipment, designed to remove paint striping from highways, has been the accepted method of cleaning runways since the early 70’s. Operating at pressures ranging from 8,000 to 40,000 p.s.i. they literally blast away the buildup. As air traffic and the size of planes increased, so has the frequency of high pressure blasting. Airport Operators have reported that the increased pavement stress of these cleanings has resulted in incidents of spalling, and joint sealant separation. High pressure water blasting is known to cause polishing of the surface microtexture resulting in reduced friction coefficients. Evidence shows the harmful effects of high pressure water blasting on concrete and asphalt surfaces.

Friction Deterioration

Over time, the skid-resistance of runway pavement deteriorates due to a number of factors, the primary ones being mechanical wear and polishing action from aircraft tires rolling or braking on the pavement and the accumulation of contaminants, chiefly rubber, on the pavement surface.”

Avion® 50 has been consistently proven to increase runway friction to within a few points of the less traveled center section of the runway. This value is often in the design range of values.

Runway Safety

Rubber build-up on airport runways is recognized by the FAA as a major safety hazard. This surface build-up is a frequent factor in aircraft overrun and run-off incidents.

The build-up of rubber, jet exhaust, hydraulic oil and dirt reduces the frictional qualities of the landing surface, particularly when wet. Lack of surface friction is the major factor affecting the braking of aircraft on a wet runway and is within the control of the Airport Operator.

SurfaceDamage

[]Water blasting can cause surface damage. High pressure water basting equipment, designed to remove paint striping from highways, has been the accepted method of cleaning runways since the early 70’s. Operating at pressures ranging from 8,000 to 40,000 p.s.i. they literally blast away the buildup. As air traffic and the size of planes increased, so has the frequency of high pressure blasting. Airport Operators have reported that the increased pavement stress of these cleanings has resulted in incidents of spalling, and joint sealant separation. High pressure water blasting is known to cause polishing of the surface microtexture resulting in reduced friction coefficients. Evidence shows the harmful effects of high pressure water blasting on concrete and asphalt surfaces.

FrictionDeterioration

Over time, the skid-resistance of runway pavement deteriorates due to a number of factors, the primary ones being mechanical wear and polishing action from aircraft tires rolling or braking on the pavement and the accumulation of contaminants, chiefly rubber, on the pavement surface.”

Avion® 50 has been consistently proven to increase runway friction to within a few points of the less traveled center section of the runway. This value is often in the design range of values.